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Sep 23
2010
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Climate RidePosted by Bruce Robinson in West County , transportation , Sonoma County , recreation , ocean , nonprofit orgs , lifestyle , Green , environment , energy , current events , conservation , coast , climate change , California , bicycle , air quality , activism |
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Aug 25
2010
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Ship Sewage RulesPosted by Bruce Robinson in water , transportation , tourism , public safety , policy , ocean , news , international , Health , government , garbage , fish , environment , corporate responsibiliyt , coast , California , business , animals |
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Land-based sewage discharges into the ocean are illegal. Soon that ban will apply to big ships, too, under new EPA rules being announced today.
Jared Blumenfeld, Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, was Environmental Director for the City and County of San Francisco before he was appointed his new job by the Obama administration last January. He would prefer that the ship sewage discharge ban reached at least twice as far offshore, but says three miles is all his agency can cover.
Even these new rules will only restrict about 4/5ths of the sewage discharges into the state’s bays and other coastal waters; most of the remaining 20% comes from smaller vessels not governed by the new rules. Blumenfeld would like to see an eventual system of controlled dockside flushes into regional treatment facilities, but acknowledges that’s little more than a vision right now.
While the new EPA rules are welcomed, some environmental groups are pushing for more stringent standards. There is also a separate move underway to impose a full ban on sewage discharges from all vessels on Tomales Bay.
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Jul 07
2010
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Golden Gate Bridge HistoryPosted by Bruce Robinson in transportation , technology , speaker , ocean , history , finances , construction , coast , California , author |
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Even though we may have seen and crossed the Golden Gate Bridge many times, it’s hard not to be impressed each time by its distinctive color and historic profile. The story behind it is equally impressive.
Kevin Starr,As a native San Franciscan, Kevin Starr has spent most of his life within sight of the Golden Gate Bridge, and seen it from just about every possible perspective, even from below while swimming beneath the span. But there is one vantage point he has not tried.
The building of the Golden Gate Bridge was a popular subject for photographers of the day, and many of their striking images have endured as popular posters today. Unsurprisingly, Starr has a favorite, seen below.
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Jun 28
2010
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Weather & Climate ChangePosted by Bruce Robinson in weather , technology , speaker , Science , Santa Rosa , research , politics , ocean , nonprofit orgs , Green , environment , education , current events , climate change , carbon |
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Carl Mears has been studying the weather for years. Now he’s trying to do something about it.
Carl Mears will be the featured speaker at a community gathering June 30 at 5:30 pm at the Universalist Unitarian Church in Santa Rosa. His topic: “What’s really going on with the Climate? A scientists’ perspective.”
For some, the phrase "climate change" has supplanted "global warming" as this issue is discussed. Mears says he understands the scientific reasoning behind that, but dislikes the political connotations.
